10 Things I Know About... Recruiting Executives
10. Know what you want
Before you do anything else, define the position and the candidate specification in writing.
9. Build Consensus
Make sure everyone who will be involved in the hire is on the same page. If not, you’ll waste time later when interviewers are measuring candidates with different yardsticks.
8. Make Hiring a Priority
Recruiting any executive is a major time commitment. Put it at the top of your list. Needless delays sabotage the process.
7. Be Realistic
Know what level of talent you can attract given your company, the job, and target compensation.
6. There Are No Perfect Candidates
All candidates have strengths and weaknesses. Find out what they are, and be prepared to make smart trade-offs.
5. Expect Bumps in the Road
Expect problems and don’t let them fester. Going through lots of candidates without success is a sign that something fundamental is wrong.
4. Follow the Golden Rule
Treat every candidate they way you’d like to be treated. It will help the search, and in the long run you will build a positive reputation that will help with future recruiting.
3. Be Serious About Due Diligence
Do extensive references checks, verify background information, and do it before you extend a written offer. Problems come up more frequently than you might think.
2. Close the Deal
After you extend an offer, reach out to the candidate and tell him how much you want him to join the company. After receiving an acceptance, stay in regular contact until his first day of employment.
1. Once Hired, Keep Them
Hiring great people is hard work. Once you’ve attracted them, keep them happy. Your best employees will also have the most opportunities to leave.
Travis is a principal with Travis & Co. of Newton Center. He can be reached at mtravis@travisandco.com.
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